The results of a survey undertaken by 226 members of the parish indicated most parishioners were in favour of married couples using birth control, divorced people remarrying without an annulment receiving the Eucharist, unmarried couples living a committed life together and alternative means of getting pregnant. What is most progressive, however, is that almost half of those surveyed in the St Columba’s parish were in favour of homosexual people having sexual relations and allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry in a civil ceremony.

In recent decades, there has been a rapid decline in the number of people regularly attending Mass at not only the Catholic Church, but other denominations. 

Sexual abuse cases across clergy, combined with a strong school of thought the church is lagging in its thinking about such issues as birth control, homosexuality and unmarried couples living together, have resulted in many walking away from the church.

This survey, which was instigated by the Vatican as part of a summit on Catholic families all over the world, will go a long way to restoring faith in the church’s doctrines and hopefully improve the numbers of those attending Mass.

But this can only happen if church leaders are serious about change and take on board the thoughts and feelings of those surveyed, particularly after the Ballarat parish survey showed only 22 per cent of respondents were satisfied with the present rate of  change.

For the Catholic Church to be able to attract future generations of worshippers, its stance on major issues like gay marriage and de facto relationships must change.

One St Columba’s parishioner, Dereck Streulens, says the Catholic church must refocus on what is important.  

“A lot of people found the results very encouraging. We got together after Mass one Sunday and had a question and answer forum and people were really happy with the results. They found them promising.”

Mr Streulens said the results had opened the doors to a lot of important conversations that need to be had within the Catholic Church, including attitudes towards gay family members, gay marriage, people who are divorced. 

Let us hope and pray these doors remain open and for discussions to continue.